Sunday, November 14, 2010

Buying With Bulk- Great Full-Bodied Cigars


In the life of every cigar smoker, the time comes when desire for a strong cigar trumps loyalty. Take for instance, yourself. You may be a dedicated fan of Ashton Classics, swearing up and down to your stogie that they are the only one for you. Afraid of leaving your brand abandoned or - dare I say - crushed, you may brush off any desires that come your way. You may ignore the yearning to try something stronger or, even worse, you may sneak around, meeting new cigars in dive bars and seedy hotel rooms for a few blissful moments of uninhibited pleasure. But, this only causes you to feel disloyal to the brand you have been with for years, making you feel guilty. After all, you tell yourself, cigars have feelings to.

Now, rest assured, you aren't committing tobacco adultery. It's perfectly natural to jump around from brand to brand. Sometimes you feel like a spicy cigar, sometimes you don't. Sometimes you feel like a sweet cigar, sometimes you don't. Sometimes you feel like a full bodied cigar, and sometimes you don't. But, when you do, there are some better than others. The following is a list of a few of the best full-bodied cigars, cigars that make it well worth cheating on your regular brand.

Camacho Corojo: Grown in the Jamastran Valley of Honduras, these cigars are rare, rich, and complex. Like cigars dedicated to a weight room, they are some of the strongest in existence. Made from a seed that was smuggled out of Cuba, these cigars are a favorite among many connoisseurs. Many tobacco stores keep it as a staple brand, not only because it is popular among customers, but also for those times when the staff has an urge to sample the product.

Coronado By La Flor Cigars: For years, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua have been giving Cuba a run for its money when it comes to best land for cigar production. The Coronado, a tag teaming Dominican Republic and Nicaragua effort, takes some of the lime light away from Cuba. Masterfully blended with Dominican filler and binder, and a Nicaraguan wrapper, the Coronado is full of spicy, peppery, and rich flavors.

Little Gomez Diez Cigars: A cigar originally made to celebrate La Flor Domincana's 10th anniversary, 100 percent of the tobacco that makes up this cigar is from the Dominican Republic. This, in the cigar world, is a rarity because it is difficult to procure Dominican Republic tobacco that is suitable for a binder, a filler, and a wrapper. With hints of spicy leather, this cigar allows the Dominican Republic to stand up and take a bow.

Carlos Torano Virtuoso: Made with the first sun grown wrapper from the Torano family, this cigar speaks volumes for their deep Cuban roots. The Virtuosos is the most full-bodied in the Carlos Torano line, but it is still a very balanced, smooth, and easy smoke. Consisting of tobacco from Panama, Honduras, and Nicaragua, the Virtuoso allows cigar lovers to sample a taste of several different regions, a taste that reminds smokers of chocolate, spice, and coffee.

The Edge by Rocky Patel: This cigar should come with a warning label, one that says, "Novices need not apply." For smokers who have some experience under their belt, this is a worthy notch. True to its name, this cigar has the edge on full-bodied cigars. Its flavor and spice can't be rivaled.

Every smoker at one time or another wants to stray away from the cigar brand to which they have become loyal. This doesn't make you a bad smoker, just a curious one. Sometimes you have to break the mold and try something with a little more body. Just break it to your brand gently; it will eventually forgive you.








Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for http://www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.


Saturday, November 13, 2010

Buy a new House

I have been a little lacking in action again and got some reviews to be backed up. The last few weeks I spent all my spare time working on getting my current House ready to sell and take a look at the new House. Finally, We fixed the House we want and finish in a few weeks.

I wanted to point out a really cool cigar room that Ryan put in his basement; When I get fast should I get started with a similar project in the new House.

I would be interested if anyone else has done something similar, or do anything to control smoke in their homes. Until I can get this built should I smoking on deck or in the garage.: (

Popularity: 1% [?]

View the original article here

Friday, November 12, 2010

Ohio Residents Rethinking Smoking Ban

This is probably a little News in the right direction. A recent poll shows that a majority of Ohio residents to allow smoking in bars again, but want to retain the restaurants smoke free.

Ohio poll: think smoking ban | cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com.

Popularity: 1% [?]Tagged as: Cincinnati, ohio, non-smoking ban

View the original article here

Premium Cigars Connoisseurs Buy


Cuban cigars still hold the market as a premium cigar even after the embargo was placed on the product. People still look for this cigar and usually end up with a fraudulent cigar instead of the real thing. The Habanas still hold onto people as a connoisseur of these premium cigars. Even when prices top the list, people still buy these cigars at any cost. Why do people do this? They do it for the taste and have not experienced all the other premium cigars offered locally. These cigars offer quality flavor and draw just as the Cuban cigar does.

Knowing that these cigars are considered contraband, many people or cigar smokers do not care. They look for the cigars everywhere and some probably have their own connections to the popular cigar. Although we try to find the Cuban cigars because they are premium cigars, we forget that some people are out to defraud the connoisseur with fakes. You may pay a pretty penny for these cigars, but imagine lighting up something that tastes less than perfect.

How do you tell premium cigars [http://www.onlinecigarsource.com/Cuban_Cigars_2/] from the fraudulent ones? The packaging, the colors and the labels. The knockoffs will not have the same fine quality packaging that the originals have. You might look at the wrap, the paper wraps and the tips. Premium cigars are perfect with perfect packaging. If you have a doubt about the cigar, you are probably right about it being a fake. You have to use your knowledge and take into consideration the overall look. Different premium cigars have a distinctive color wrapper, whether it is darker or lighter, this is one sure way to see if you have a fake or the real thing.

Many tobacco shops offer samples and this either breaks the deal or seals the deal when looking for premium cigars. If you have a Cuban cigar in your hand, check the seal. The Cuban seals are distinctive and flawless. No other company can reproduce the seal and placement as the original Cuban company. If you find true premium cigars such as the Cuban cigars, you will be one lucky connoisseur. If you find a knockoff, you might have a less than perfect experience with cigar smoking as some are very bitter. Look for a seal and the right packaging before buying and lighting up that supposed premium cigar.








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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Gilsson 12V Cigarette Lighter Adapter for Garmin GPS Nuvi 650 660 750 755 760 765 775 885 855 850 Zumo StreetPilot C550

Gilsson 12V Cigarette Lighter Adapter for Garmin GPS Nuvi 650 660 750 755 760 765 775 885 855 850 Zumo StreetPilot C550This cigarette lighter adapter works with Garmin nüvi, StreetPilot, and zūmo GPS receivers. Comparable to Garmin's car adapters, it will power and charge your Garmin GPS while you navigate. Utilizing a proprietary 18-pin connector that connects either directly to the GPS or through the Garmin cradle, this cable is guranteed to be 100% compatible with your Garmin GPS. The cable is six feet in length.

Gilsson GPS cables are produced using the highest UL-certified materials and components. Each component is custom manufactured to ensure a perfect fit with Garmin GPS units. Gilsson cables are manufactured at ISO 9000/9001/9002-certified factories, and are fully molded from end to end for durability and safety.

Comparable to Garmin 010-10747-03 Adapter.

Compatible Garmin GPS Receivers

  • Garmin nüvi 5000, 650, 660, 670, 680, 710, 750, 755T, 760, 765T, 770, 775T, 780, 785T, 850, 860, 880
  • StreetPilot C510, C530, C550, C580
  • zÅ«mo 400, 450, 500, 550

What's in the Box
Gilsson GHS-12V Cigarette Lighter Adapter

Price: $24.95


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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Essential Cigar Accessories


What are the essential accessories you need to smoke a cigar? You may think that you simply have to light the cigar and puff away. However, fully enjoying the cigar and smoking it the right way involves some accessories.

Get to know cigars first. Do this by buying a cigar magazine or getting some information online. Then, go to a tobacconist to check out some cigars. The tobacconist will give you his advice on the cigars he stocks.

Buy a cigar humidor. Humidors are usually made of wood, though I saw a marble one on Amazon the other day, and keep the humidity and temperature in the humidor at a certain level to preserve the cigars. Cigar humidors usually hold 20 or 25 cigars.

Get a cigar holder so that they don't get crushed or dirty. Some cigar holders hold up to 3 cigars while some hold only 1. Purchasing a cigar holder is a must if you like smoking cigars at any time.

Get a cigar cutter. The best ones are made of stainless steel and feature a double blade design. The blades are extremely sharp so take caution when using it. Cigar cutters usually come in a practical, compact size.

Cigar punchers are great if you do not wish to use a cigar cutter. While the cigar puncher essentially achieves the same goal as the cigar cutter, it is more compact and classy.

Instead of using a match or a conventional lighter to light your cigar, get a proper cigar lighter. They come in a tube shape and are very efficient because you they include a cutter. So, you simply put one end of the cigar in to cut and then flip it around to light it. The cigar lighters use butane and are sold empty.








To view and to find out more about cigar accessories, visit this page. I hope you found this useful.


elago Nano EL-Car-001 USB Car Charger for iPhone, iPod, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, PDAs, Mobile Phones and more (Black)

elago Nano EL-Car-001 USB Car Charger for iPhone, iPod, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, PDAs, Mobile Phones and more (Black)Use your cigar lighter outlet to charge any devices (iPhone, iPod, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, PDAs, Mobile Phones and more) that can rely on USB for power. This adapter plugs into your car's cigarette lighter jack to become a powered USB port.

Price: $19.99


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Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Cigar 101: Basic Tips for the Cigar Novice


Many of you, for different reasons, are having a love affair with cigars, rendezvousing in sidewalk cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants for a few joyful moments. Perhaps you like the flavor, perhaps you like the aroma, or perhaps you just like to tell people who smoke skinny cigarettes, "My cigar can beat up your Marlboro." For whatever reason, the cigar is a luxury many of you choose to use.

However, for some of you, the above statement might not be true. You may, never having gone beyond the pink or blue bubblegum cigars handed out in hospitals after the birth of a child, be a little leery of cigars. They might seem scary, or intimidating, and you might find yourself with a variety of questions: How should I hold a cigar? How should I cut a cigar? How do I know which cigar to choose? Do I need to take some sort of Lamaze class to learn how to puff?

What's What

Some say, "Potato," some say "Po-taught-o," some say, "Filler," some say, "Huh?" If you're not used to having a cigar in your mouth, some of the jargon - the Filler, the Binder, the Wrapper - may have you scratching your head in confusion.

In sum, the Filler is the cigar's soul, stuffed in the middle; it is essentially what the cigar is filled with. The Binder is made up of thick tobacco leaves and used to bind the Filler together. The Wrapper is the outside leaf of the cigar. Basically the cigar's wardrobe, the Wrapper is an extremely important outfit for two reasons: it holds everything together and it provides a lot of the cigar's flavor.

Stogie Selection

Buying a cigar from a reputable dealer, such as What's Knot to Love, will guarantee your purchase is premium. Once you've chosen a dealer, the art of cigar buying becomes a bit free form: there are very few set rules. It is, however, good to keep in mind that the darker the tobacco, the stronger the flavor.

Make the Cut

There are a million different ways to cut a cigar - use a knife, use cigar scissors, use a V-cutter, or, if your cigar has been found guilty of crime during the French Revolution, use a guillotine cut. It's your cigar, so cut it anyway you want - even use a circular saw or your teeth, just make sure no one is watching.

After deciding how you're going to cut your cigar, you need to know where to cut it. Cutting off the cigar's head, the general rule is to slice the cigar just past the shoulder (where it stops being round).

Puff, the Magic Dragging

To light a cigar, simply hold it out and allow the flame of the match or the odorless lighter to meet its end. Turn the cigar, rotating it so that the end becomes evenly charred.

Once the cigar is lit, and take off has commenced, let the smoke wallow near your mouth, drinking in the aroma and the flavor. Gently puff on the cigar, instead of inhaling like a cigarette.

Holding Time

Most people recommend that you don't hold your cigar like a cigarette, unless you are European (I know, it doesn't seem fair that the Europeans got sexy accents, the Spice Girls AND cigar holding). For the rest of you, a cigar should be held between your index finger and thumb.

Size Matters

When it comes to cigars, the length of the ash is important. You should allow your ash to grow to around three quarters of an inch long, which will inevitably turn into two feet during locker room talk. A lengthy ash is vital to a good smoking experience. The ash creates an air block, which helps decrease the temperature of the smoke and results in a slower burning cigar. These factors intensify the taste and make the experience more enjoyable.

Once a cigar is smoked halfway, let it die: it's served its purpose so bid it a fond farewell with a tip of your hat and a "It's been nice smoking you." Then, go on your way.

Now rest, and smoke, assured, just knowing these few tips will have you looking like Groucho Marx in no time, except with better trimmed eyebrows.








Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for http://www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.


Monday, November 8, 2010

Smokin'! All About Cigars


You might have seen it in the movies, or in TV shows, or on the cover of a gangster novel. The big boss - be he a mafia don, drug lord, or your plain, run-of-the-mill CEO - is sporting a large cigar, and is smoking it unaffectedly. He seems to like it, that tight, large wad of smoke and leaves. But what makes cigars so prized, and why is it often associated with wealth and business?

Very simply, a cigar is a rolled-up heap of dried, fermented tobacco. One end is lit with fire, and the other is the opening by which smoke can enter a user's mouth. Cigar tobacco is special: its flavor is reputedly richer and deeper than the tobacco used for ordinary cigarettes. Such tobacco is grown in tropical countries, with Brazil, Cuba, Honduras, and Mexico leading the pack. Cuban cigars, in particular, are considered to be the best varieties, although experts contend that Nicaraguan and Honduran cigars easily rival the mighty Cuban.

Cigars were once extremely expensive, and were usually confined to banquets, where "smokers" were held. These were gatherings where important politicians convened to discuss important issues while they smoked. When the U.S. imposed a trade embargo on Cuba in the 20th century, the price of cigars rose much higher, and the use of them was confined to those who could afford them.

In mid-2005, however, cigar prices declined, allowing many smokers (and smoking beginners) to taste and enjoy cigar smoking. But what is there to enjoy in cigars? According to aficionados, cigars have less of the smoky taste of cigarettes, and can even take on the taste of whisky, chocolate, or even wine!

How are cigars made? Choice tobacco leaves are first harvested, then aged by a combination of heat and shade. This serves to lower the leaves' water and sugar content, without causing leaves to rot. Once the dried leaves are ready, they are made to "die with grace" by a slow process of fermentation. During this time, humidity levels and temperature are controlled, such that the lea will ferment without disintegrating or rotting. In this critical period are ushered out of the leaves the flavors and aroma that characterize the cigar into which it will eventually be made.

When fermentation is done, leaves are sorted out depending on whether they will be used as filler for the cigar, or as wrapper. Leaves must be kept moist, and should be handled very carefully. As soon as they are sorted, a cigar maker will roll them into any of the various cigar shapes, carefully, and by hand.

The flavor of a cigar depends on the leaves used for its wrapper and filler. Wrapper leaves usually come from the widest part of a tobacco plant. Their color can range from the very light, mildly greenish brown shade called the Double Claro; to the oily, black Oscuro grown in Nicaragua, Mexico, Cuba, or Brazil. The color of a wrapper also describes the color of a cigar.

Most of a cigar is made up of fillers, or the interior, where smoking tobacco leaves are bundled together by elastic leaves called binders. Some cigar makers mix up a variety of leaves of various tastes and strengths, in order to produce different flavors of cigar.

To keep their flavor, cigars should be stored at room temperature, but at relatively high humidity. A humidor, or a special wooden box, usually comes with cigars when they are purchased.

Although most certainly damaging to human health, cigars still retain their mystique, whether they are seen on the silver screen, or read about in books.








Khieng 'Ken' Chho - Online Cigar Resources. For more, visit Ken's website: http://cigars.1w3b.net/


Sunday, November 7, 2010

Lights Out: When a Cigar Turns Bad


There are truths in life that we are forced to swallow, no matter how much they might make us choke. For cigar lovers, one of these truths can often be found lurking in the darkness, peering out from behind fire hydrants and rose bushes in hopes of not being seen. Yet, it cannot hide forever; every person who smokes on a regular basis is bound to discover this dismal reality: there is such a thing as a bad cigar.

I know this is hard to hear for you, the cigar lover. A person who reveres cigars, placing them on pedal stools and allowing them to ride shotgun in your car as your family crams in the back seat, you might find yourself in shock at this fact. But, before you begin rocking silently in the corner, keep in mind that bad cigars are pretty easy to find: faulty stogies don't need to be placed in a police line up in order to be spotted. The following are some tips to help you know when a cigar isn't worth being lit:

You bought it at the local grocery store: It's important to keep in mind that good cigars are not typically sold at the local market, placed in between the Juicy Fruit gum and the double A batteries. They are also not sold for only two or three dollars. When you purchase a cigar for 2.50 from a Piggy Wiggly's, that cigar will taste like a cigar for 2.50 from Piggy Wiggly's. To avoid this, splurge a little and only purchase cigars from places that don't also have an entire aisle dedicated to incontinence.

Your cigar is so dry it makes the Sahara look damp: Does your cigar ever have that not so fresh feeling? If it does, one reason may be because it does not contain enough humidity, a problem that leaves a cigar dry and stale. When a cigar dries out, it's hard to save. This is because the cigar has lost many of its essential oils, losing its flavor in the process. However, if the cigar isn't too dry, it may be possible to revive it by placing it in a humidor and gradually increasing the humidity. If the cigar is so dry that the wrapper has begun to crack and peel, the only thing you can really save is time, by throwing the cigar away. To avoid this dryness from happening, be sure to keep your cigars stored properly inside a balanced humidor.

Your cigar smells bad: When things smell bad, they usually taste bad; these two senses just kind of go hand in hand. For this reason, smelling a cigar before lighting it is a good way to prevent a bad smoking experience. If you notice something off about the odor - it smells stale, moldy, or just plain awful - chances are the cigar will be a bad smoke. This is a great trick to use before purchasing particular stogies: listening to your nose can prevent you from spending money on a cigar not worth buying.

You suspect they are imitations: Nearly every city has a vendor selling cigars whose authenticity they will attest to, swearing on a stack of tobacco leaves. While they can promise all they want, the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the puffing. Nothing will ruin a cigar tasting experience like an imitation cigar; it will do to smoking what "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" did to toast. Luckily, fake cigars are usually fairly easy to spot. There are three main things to watch out for: cigars with an inexpensive price that seems too good to be true, cigars that are damaged, or a cigar vendor that seems over eager to make a sale. Watching out for these three thing can help keep you from purchasing an imitation cigar, thus keeping you from inhaling a bad smoke.

Your Cigar Tastes Like Dirt: Cigars can embody several different flavors. They can taste like Earth or spice. Perhaps they can even taste like chicken. But, no matter what, they should never taste like dirt. Dirt, is just not a popular flavor. If a cigar happens to taste stale, musty, or like you are scoping soil from the garden and placing the shovel in your mouth, you will know you are smoking a cigar that has gone bad or a cigar that is was born bad.

Most cigars are not faulty. But every now and then a bad one may pop up. Sometimes you may be able to spot them, other times you may realize they are flawed a puff too late. When this happens, the only solution is to get back up on the horse: find another cigar, and try again.








Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for http://www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.


The Cigar Box Guitar


Music and cigars aren't something I usually equate with each other. In fact, cigars are almost the last type of smoke I think of when I turn the dial of the radio. If I hear Ryan Adams, I imagine him on stage surrounded by a grayish cloud, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. If I hear Bing Crosby, I imagine that his White Christmas also involves a black pipe. And, if I hear Willie Nelson, I think of a type of smoke sure to make him hungry for some Kenny Rogers Roasters. Cigars, however, don't typically cross my mind when I think of music.

It turns out this is a misconception on my part: cigars, or rather their boxes, contain some of the true roots of music.

Cigar box guitars are homemade guitars where used cigar boxes serve as the resonator, echoing the vibrations that cause sound. Used by many poverty stricken musicians, these instruments forever have a place in the history of song. In fact, cigar box guitars go all the way back to the 19th century.

Before 1840, according to the curator of the National Cigar Museum, Dr. Tony Hyman, cigars were not shipped in boxes but large crates, crates that would hold over 100 cigars at a time. These crates were found to be too big in size for efficient shipping and were eventually reduced into smaller crates that would hold much fewer sticks. And so, the cigar box was born.

About the time cigar boxes emerged, cigar smoking did as well: people from all walks of life indulged, leaving their cigar boxes empty in the process. Picked up by innovators and creators, these empty cigar boxes were quickly turned into guitars, banjos, and fiddles. Unbeknownst at the time, these instruments would soon give those who were too poor to afford a guitar a chance to experiment musically.

The earliest known cigar box instrument is believed to have been concocted during the Civil war. This is based on the discovery of a drawing by Edwin Forbes, a French artist working for the Union Army. This drawing features two soldiers sitting around a campfire, one watching the other play a cigar box fiddle.

Eras marked by poverty saw cigar box instruments, particularly cigar box guitars, begin to flourish. Both the blues movement and the emergence of jug bands are believed to have been facilitated, at least in part, by cigar box guitars and the Great Depression, leaving so many people broke and out of work, became a catalyst for these homemade instruments.

During these times, many people couldn't afford guitars so they simply made their own. Using cigar boxes, screen wire and broom handles, as well as anything else they could find, countless children made playable instruments. Since these instruments were made by so many different people, they had many different varieties. Some cigar box guitars had one string, some had three or four. Some had frets up the neck, some did not. Some of the creators built their guitar and simply moved on, some grew up to be the trail blazers of rock and roll.

Among the notable musicians believed to have played cigar box guitars at some point are Carl Perkins, Jimi Hendrix, George Benson, Ted Nugent, BB King, and Ed King of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Part of so much of our nation's musical past, the cigar box guitar has an entire museum dedicated to it. The National Cigar Box Guitar Museum is located in York, Pennsylvania and features a wide display of various cigar box guitars as well as the stories of the legendary musicians who played them.








Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for http://www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.


Saturday, November 6, 2010

Scent Of A Woman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Scent Of A Woman: Original Motion Picture SoundtrackNo Description Available.
Genre: Soundtracks & Scores
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 19-JAN-1993

Price: $11.98


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Friday, November 5, 2010

Cigar Cutters - Making the Cut in a Prestigious Culture


Cigarette smokers usually puff away during breaks at work, drives to the grocery store, or yard work at home. Whereas cigarette smoking is typically a pastime, cigar smoking is a culture. People usually smoke cigars during special occasions, whether it is to celebrate a first child, seal a business deal, or enjoy a night of poker with one's buddies. Further proof of how firmly entrenched cigar smoking is in the American culture is the fact that Red Auerbach lighted a ceremonial cigar after his Boston Celtics won yet another basketball championship. Then, there's the wide circulation of cigar magazines like "Cigar Aficionado" in newsstands. These periodicals include features such as cigar ratings, international tobacconists, and cigar-friendly restaurants. Considering how popular cigar smoking is, it is, thus, only fitting to pay homage to cigar cutters in much the same way tobacco aficionados pay their respects to the almighty Cuban. After all, cigar smoking begins with a cigar cutter's snip of the tobacco product.

Cigar Hall of Fame

One reason cigar smoking has become more popular than ever could be the possibility that compared to cigarette smoking, cigar smoking is less dangerous to one's health. The reason is that when one smokes cigar, one does not inhale its smoke. Perhaps this explains how comedian George Burns, a lifetime cigar smoker, reached the ripe old age of 100 years! Other famous personalities who have become icons due in part to their cigar smoking include:

* Larger-than-life British leader Winston Churchill, after whom a cigar size was named.

* Austrian Psychiatrist Sigmund Freud, who often smoked during sessions with his patients.

* American author Mark Twain, who claimed that he smoked whenever he was awake.

* Comedy actor Groucho Marx, who often smoked a short, thick cigar.

Cigars Have a Past (And a Future)

Comedian George Burns, who used cigars to time his routine, served as the unofficial face of cigar smokers. While that face has become much more diverse in recent times, the essence of cigar smoking has remained unchanged. Cigars are often linked to celebrations of good luck and little triumphs. While they have historically been considered as a rich person's pastime, cigars have increasingly become more common in modern culture. Also, you have probably heard of the phrase, "close, but no cigar." Do you know where this expression comes from? The origin of the saying is the practice of saving a cigar as a good luck charm, in hopes of winning a bet made.

Cigar Characters

Other cigar legends involve people rather than activities. For example, English King Edward VII loved smoking cigars despite opposition from his mother. One story reveals that after his mother passed away, King Edward regally announced to his male guests, "Gentleman, you may smoke." It should be noted that they probably used knives rather than cigar cutters. In King Edward's honor, an American brand of cigars was named after him.

Another cigar legend is shown in the American sitcom show "Seinfeld." A character, Kramer, is frequently shown smoking a cigar. In the 1992 movie "Scent of a Woman," Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade orders his assistant to purchase a particular brand of cigars, which he knows will be hard as nails to find.

Making the Cut

The variety of cigar cutters available creates a legend of its own. Cigar cutters vary in size and color, ranging from portable to desktop, and from red to blue. Other cutters have multiple functions, and are paired with other tools such as key rings, portable knife sets, or money clips. When choosing cigar cutters, it is wise to first consider your needs.

In many respects, cigars have become as common in modern culture as the Internet and reality TV. Choosing the right cigar cutters further adds to the style and experience of cigar smoking.








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Thursday, November 4, 2010

General Cigar Donation will support Ducks Unlimited Gulf Coast Habitat restoration efforts

Richmond, VA — Donated General Cigar day $ 20,000 to the Ducks Unlimited (DU) on behalf of the international Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR). The donation will support the DUS habitat restoration efforts along the coast to the Gulf of Mexico.

"The city of New Orleans and the Gulf region has been gracious hosts to IPCPR, and we felt it was important to assist the region in their time of need," commented Debo Mukherjee, Vice President of marketing for General Cigar. "We chose to represent this category for premium cigar by contributing to the Ducks unlimited because we value their long-term commitment to help restore coastal wetlands in the Gulf Coast, and because we are particularly satisfied with their response to the oil slick. "

"IPCPR and General Cigar generous donation will help us to continue efforts habitat restoration in the Gulf Coast wetlands," said Philip Milburn, head of marketing and corporate relations at you.-it is a challenge that we have committed to more than 20 years. General Cigar support will go a long way in helping to finance programs critical to the restoration, enhancement and protection of Gulf Coast remaining coastal wetlands. "

Approaching the fall waterfowl migrations, millions of ducks, geese and other migratory birds will head toward the Gulf Coast.In a few years, have as many as 13 million ducks and geese wintered in the region of 1.5 million Gulf Coast; despite efforts to preserve the Ducks unlimited and its partners continue this region losing an area about the size of a football field all 30 minutes.Louisiana only has already lost more than 1 million hectares of coastal wetlands.

General Cigar's commitment to support the coastal route out restoration derives from its extensive corporate citizenship program is underwritten by the company, since 1992, General Cigar actively provided agricultural and environmental aid in the Dominican Republic and Honduras, where the company's premium cigars handcrafts.

NOTE TO NEW ORLEANS MEDIA:

Managers from General Cigar to make a formal check box presentation to representatives of Ducks unlimited on Tuesday, August 10 at 9: 15 PM, Generation Hall (310 Andrew Higgins drive) in New Orleans.Representatives of both companies will be available for interviews in New Orleans on Thursday, August 12.

If General Cigar

General Cigar co. Inc., a subsidiary of Swedish Match, manufactures and markets for premium cigars craft market.Burning delivers cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar producing Macanudo ® and Partagas ®, Cohiba ®, bonfire, Excalibur ®, Hoyo de Monterrey ®, La Gloria Cubana ® and several other industry-leading brands, which are sold through tobacco shops nationwide.In addition, the company grows its own proprietary Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic; General Cigar Club Macanudo ® also operates, a cigar bar in New York; For more information, visit www.cigarworld.com

If Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest wetland and waterfowl conservation, Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest non-profit organization in order to conserve North America's constantly disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited conserved for more than 12 million hectare thanks to contributions from more than one million supporters across the continent. guided by science, and dedicated to the programme efficiency, work toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever, if you want to know more visit www.ducks.org.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Cigar Accessories: Light Up With Class


You are one of the star employees in your company. And, because you've made a huge contribution in closing a huge deal, he has invited you to his house for dinner. When you entered his well-furnished den, you recognized some familiar faces. Tonight, you will be dining with your company's biggest shareholders. And, the thought was very appealing to you.

After being introduced to them, they invited you to have a cigar with them. You eagerly accepted your offer because your boss is known to have a very good taste when it comes to cigars. You immediately bit off a chunk of the cigar and lit it. "That's not how you do it, son!" The man took out a cigar, lifted a cigar cutter from the different cigar accessories available on the table and gently snipped off the tip of his cigar before he lit it.

For the first time, you noticed that there was a bunch of cigar accessories on the table. And, you couldn't help but feel crude and uneducated among a group of cultured and refined individuals. You gave the older man an awkward smile and found yourself a space on your host's lush sofa. It looks like you need to learn more about the art of cigar smoking. Here is a list of things that you need to know about cigar accessories. Knowing these would separate you from the inexperienced cigar smokers.

The Art of Storing Cigars

Humidors are very important cigar accessories. Without one, your cigars would lose their moisture and you would end up with a very stale and bitter drag. Most humidors come with a hygrometer and a humidification system because the taste of most cigars becomes better in a certain humidity level and temperature. If the environment in the humidor is too dry, you will end up with dry cigars that are very fragile. They also burn faster than the cigars that are stored in the correct humidity level and temperature. If the humidity level is too high, on the other hand, the cigar can rot and become moldy.

Because the humidity level is a very important factor that you need to take note of when storing a cigar, you should always calibrate the hygrometer. You can do this by removing the hygrometer from the humidor and wrapping it in a moistened cloth and adjusting it to 96% humidity.

Cutting Your Cigar With Poise

Instead of tearing the tip of the cigar off with your teeth, you should start using a cigar cutter. It will separate you from the inexperienced cigar smokers.

Portable Storage

If you're the type of person who always wants to have a cigar in his pocket wherever he goes, getting a cigar tube is a great idea. This cigar accessory will help you keep your cigar fresh while you're on the go.

These are some of the things that you should remember before you smoke another cigar.








In need of cigar accessories? Visit ExecutiveGiftShoppe.com! You can also choose from a selection of Colibri lighters and hip flasks.


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

2010 IPCPR Updates

I could not make it to IPCPR Trade Show this year. So be sure to check out Stogie Guys and the review of the Stogie for the latest updates on the Trade Show.

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Monday, November 1, 2010

Xikar HC serie Habano Colorado Grande

Matt and I walked through this cigar a while back, but in a different size. Xikar recently expanded the size of the cigar to the new Grande 6 x 60. Before you ask … Yes sometimes play a role. You can take the same cigar blend and Churchill will differ from Lancero or Robusto.

That is why I was happy when Jerry, Bob and David from Xikar offered to send me some samples of the new Grande size.I was curious to see if size affects the taste of this line; I still have to examine the HC series Criollo and Connecticut in the new size, so stay tuned for that.

For more info about Xikar, and their HC series cigars, check out their informative homepage. as always tries I pair this cigar with water.

Wrapper: Habano Colorado

Book: Esteli

Filler: Costa Rica, Jalapa Honduras

Size: Grande 6 x 60

Price: $ 9.50

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The dark wrapper looked nice, with an oily sheen and minimal veins.The smell comes out from the wrapper was sweet with mild spice. Foot had a mild barnyard-ish odour, which is not bad. The cigar was overall very fast and even packed. A draw was ever so something properly, but fell in my tolerances to be good. On pre-light a draw was a sweet natural tobacco.

The ashes are held for about 1.5 inches, and the burn list requires some minor touch-up's

1Xikar_HC_Series_Habano_Colorado_Grande

Taste:

The first had a slightly woody taste that decreased in strength as the time went.Through the nose, I detect a pepper is not too strong, but it had a nice little zing to it.Taste was a smooth earthy nature of tobacco.

2Xikar_HC_Series_Habano_Colorado_Grande 

In the second third seemed overall taste profile really come together and smooths. Smoke rose relatively little; a nice sweetness entered the profile that you want, and sometimes it resembled the glaze.Signs of woodiness lasted in the background, and coffee notes would come and go.When passing through the nose, a piece of cake, pepper is still there.It had a nice kick that what not excessive.Later, it took on a sweet, almost cinnamony feeling. Taste was sweet and slightly creamy.

3Xikar_HC_Series_Habano_Colorado_Grande

The last third had some differences compared with the 2nd third; the overall profile as the taste of mocha-ish tastes sometimes.On the other, draw was a mixture of woody notes, coffee and pepper.Some draw had a creamy feeling, others had a dry, fresh feeling.Smoke cover your mouth and tongue with a sweet flavour.Blowing smoke through the nose, as you know, sweet and peppery spice.

4Xikar_HC_Series_Habano_Colorado_Grande

Conclusion:

Let's get this out of way first … you haters think perhaps I succumb to Xikar because I got these cigars for free; Also Xikar has been good for me for a long time, I know they only give honest opinions; that is, of course, all this Web site is a place to speak about cigars; I am quite sure that they would want nothing to do with me if I would be.

Of course, Grande was similar to the smaller size Matt and I reviewed last year; there were some slight differences but (you need to look at the second review comparing). Grande seemed more of a ramp up period, if it is meaningful.

What it boils down to is if you think about cigars in this ring gauge; I thought it was a damn good upper medium to full wheel smoke. Tastes was good, and there was no harshness or a bad thing; This slow burner is worth a try, and I give it a thumbs. Thanks again to Jerry, David and all from Xikar to send these cigars for me!

Published: Cigar reviews tags: colorado, grande, habano, hydrocarbons, series, Xikar

This entry was posted on Monday, October 4th, 2010 at 12: 00 am and is filed under Cigar reviews, you can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed you can leave a response, or trackback from your own website.


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